Ojai Valley School is a pre-kindergarten to grade 12 boarding and day school located on two campuses in Ojai, California. The Lower Campus serves students in grades PK-8 and the Upper Campus serves students in grades 9-12. Since its inception, OVS has held progressive education and character development at the center of its philosophy and practice. “Educating the whole child” is more than a statement of intent. Our academic, residential life, outdoor education programs, and athletics create opportunities for intellectual growth and character development at each level of student maturity. The strength of our program is rooted in integrity, compassion, fairness, responsibility, respect and perseverance.
Summary of Position:
Our kitchen is looking for a dynamic individual to join our existing team. Someone who is dependable, hardworking, and team-oriented individual to join our existing kitchen staff. This position will primarily be responsible for washing and sanitizing dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary dishwashing area. In addition to dishwashing responsibilities, this position will assist with general kitchen duties, including food preparation, cleaning and sanitizing work areas, receiving and putting away deliveries, and supporting the kitchen team with daily meal service. The ideal candidate will take pride in maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, work well as part of a team, and enjoy working in a school community.
The position requires the ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment while following food safety and sanitation procedures. Training will be provided as needed.
Such duties include but are not limited to:
Responsibilities:
- Wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly store all dishes, cookware, utensils, trays, plates, and kitchen equipment.
- Keep the dishwashing area clean, stocked, organized, and sanitary at all times.
- Operate and maintain the commercial dishwashing machine and related equipment.
- Scrape and properly dispose of food waste and maintain garbage and recycling areas.
- Clean and sanitize sinks, counters, floors, shelving, and other kitchen surfaces as needed.
- Assist with food preparation, including slicing, chopping, and preparing fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Maintain, clean, and sanitize the salad bar, including food containers, utensils, counters, and surrounding areas.
- Assist kitchen staff with meal preparation and service as needed.
- Assist with unloading food and supply deliveries and putting items away in the proper storage areas.
- Properly store food and kitchen supplies according to food safety guidelines.
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout the workday.
- Communicate kitchen, equipment, or supply needs to the supervisor.
- Follow proper food safety, sanitation, and allergy procedures. Training will be provided.
- Follow recipes and directions accurately when assisting with food preparation.
- Properly use kitchen equipment, including garbage disposal, ovens, stovetops, knives, meat slicers, and other kitchen equipment, as trained.
- Follow all school and kitchen safety policies and procedures.
- Assist with additional kitchen duties as needed to support daily meal service and special events.
Expectations:
- Dependable, punctual, and responsible with a strong work ethic.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks such as washing dishes and cleaning.
- Ability to lift and carry food, dishes, cookware, and supplies as required.
- Ability to work independently while also being a positive and cooperative team member.
- Willingness to learn and follow food safety and sanitation procedures.
- Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with students, staff, and coworkers.
- Understanding of food allergies and cross-contamination is preferred; training will be provided.
- Availability to work weekends, evenings, and school holidays as needed.
- Demonstrate a professional, courteous, and positive demeanor with students, staff, and the broader school community
Other General Duties:
Previous experience in food service, restaurant, catering, or hotel environments is preferred but not required; enthusiasm for learning is key! Knowledge of food handling practices and basic kitchen operations such as bussing tables or assisting with food prep. Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks with energy and efficiency. Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and adherence to health standards. Excellent teamwork skills with a positive attitude toward supporting culinary operations during evening shifts. Experience with banquet service or hospitality settings is a plus but not mandatory. A proactive approach to safety and sanitation regulations ensures a smooth and compliant work environment. This position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals eager to develop their culinary skills while working in a lively hospitality atmosphere. Join us in creating memorable experiences through teamwork, cleanliness, and exceptional service!
Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills: Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from parents, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to management, and parents.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to calculate basic skills to work with budgets.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Food Handlers Certificate
California driver's license.
Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk for long hours; be okay with bending, squatting, kneeling and climbing; sit; use hands and fingers a lot to handle, grab or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance on uneven ground or while carrying things. Be able to go up and down ladders or stairs; The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, wear safety gear like gloves, goggles, helmets etc.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions that are hot, cold, loud, dusty and/or wet. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Ojai Valley School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religions, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status. To submit your resume, or for further assistance or information, please contact Morgan Middough at [email protected].
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
